Missouri’s Jobless Rate Falls in August

Missouri’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate dropped a full point in August to 4.6 percent. Department of Economic Development figures statistics show the current jobless rate is the lowest since August of 2001 – the last one prior to the devastating effects of the September 11th terrorist attacks – which led to an increase in unemployment. And, for the first time since April of 2004, Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment is below the national average, which stands at 4.9 percent. 15,550 jobs were added in August, most of them non-farm positions. Manufacturing jobs led the way with 5,600 new positions added. Education and health services grew by 2,900 jobs.